The second in a series of EAfA Live Discussions took place on 17 June and discussed a number of VET related challenges and prospects presented by the coronavirus.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the way we work and learn in unprecedented ways. The results from a global Covid-19 survey were presented during this Live Discussion. It was jointly launched by key international and regional stakeholders - including the European Alliance for Apprenticeships - in order to better understand the impact of the outbreak on the training and development of employees, apprentices, and interns; the good practices that have emerged from this challenge; what policies should be implemented in the future to address them.

Andrew McCoshan moderated the session, which was conducted virtually and included the following panellists:

• Ashwani Aggarwal - Senior Skills and Employability Specialist - International Labour Organization (ILO)
• João Santos - Deputy Head of Unit - VET, Apprenticeships and Adult Learning
• Manuela Prina - Policy Advisor - European Training Foundation (ETF)
• Ramona David Craescu - Expert -- European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP)

The Live Discussion highlighted the main challenges faced in maintaining the training of apprentices during the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe and its neighbouring countries. The session examined the steps taken by Member States to help VET providers and employers adapt to these challenges and assessed the scope of the measures still to be implemented.  The discussion also focused on the opportunities for the VET sector created by the need for a fast response to the social distancing measures.

The panellists provided examples of good practices on how to ensure continuous provision of quality VET despite the COVID-19 pandemic and highlighted the variety of countries’ approaches to deploying responses to the crisis. The discussion also reflected on the difficulties SMEs face in implementing support measures and shifting to digital learning and on possible solutions to support more companies to successful implement these solutions.

It was another popular Live Discussion, with around 340 people registering. The third Live Discussion titled ‘Towards a New Generation: The role of VET in the post-COVID-19 recovery’ will take place on 15 July 2020 at 11am CEST. Register to join the third Live Discussion here.

Watch a recording of the 2^nd Live Discussion and download the presentation and report from the Related Documents section below.